Back in 2020, as a Star Trek fan who particularly loved “The Next Generation,” I paid to stream CBS when Patrick Stewart reprised his beloved titular character in that network’s “Star Trek: Picard.”
But I quit after five episodes; this dark new incarnation had boldly gone far astray from the exciting idealism of “Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry.
And then this year, I bit again — because “Picard,” Season 3 reunites most of the original “TNG” cast; and man, was that a good decision.
Here are three reasons why:
1. Season 3 is pure “Trek” dynamite. Though it’s connected to earlier episodes, the new plotline is reasonably self-contained — and instantly absorbing, with Admiral Picard receiving a distress call from his former ship’s doctor (and one-time lover) Beverly Crusher. Once he and Riker (Jonathan Frakes) — with help from Jeri Ryan’s beloved character “Seven of Nine” — manage to hijack a Federation starship, this final season kicks into classic “Star Trek” mode and never lets up.
Stewart is good, but Frakes is even better — the more so because he serves as director on several episodes. Also excellent: Michael Dorn as Worf and new-to-Trek Edward Speleers (Jimmy Kent on “Downton Abbey”). Previews also indicate that “TNG” stalwart Brent Spiner will eventually show up in the 10-episode season, which is now at No. 6.
Best of all, these new “Picards” revive what’s always been best about “Star Trek”: Strong relationships, multiple storylines, technical innovation and “strange new worlds.” And the show is likewise laced with cool references to earlier shows and films in the fan-fav franchise.
2. CBS/Paramount is also streaming the two “Quiet Place” films, which make a nice contrast to the ongoing onslaught of witless and super-gory horror.
Both the original “Quiet Place” (2018) and its 2020 sequel involve an extraterrestrial invasion by fast, fearsome creatures that are blind but have exceptional hearing. The second film — which I liked even better than the first — broadens to include several characters in a four-stranded story; but both movies focus on a single farm family (John Krasinski and Emily Blunt play the parents) whose experience with their deaf daughter provides a leg-up in this brave new world where everyone must be very, very quiet.
Krasinski — who in real life is married to the ever-capable Blunt — directed both films, which are swift, smart and scary. Sadly, Krasinski does not appear to be signed on for either of the follow-ups: “Quiet Place III” (due in 2025) or “Quiet Place: Day One,” a prequel scheduled for next year.
3. And finally, CBS is among several venues offering 2022’s well-reviewed “Devotion,” which has a strong local connection to Central PA.
The true-life story of America’s first Naval aviator — Jesse Brown, who flew off carriers in Korea — “Devotion” is based on a book by Montoursville native Adam Makos, who is carving out quite a career for himself these days.
Makos’s most recent title — “Spearhead,” a thrilling account of the first Pershing tank in World War II — debuted at No. 4 on the New York Times nonfiction list. Both that and the author’s debut — “A Higher Call,” one of my all-time favorite books — have been optioned for films as well.
“Devotion” stars the red-hot Jonathan Majors, so good in “Hostiles” and “Da Five Bloods” and now appearing both in “Creed III” and as the newest Marvel supervillain. He is joined by Glen Powell (Hangman in “Top Gun: Maverick”) as Brown’s wingman and best friend; their perilous missions culminate in a scary and unexpected denouement.
The movie pushes too hard in sidestepping the “white savior” stereotype, which is somewhat understandable given what actually happened; but Makos managed to avoid it in his book without beating the issue to death as the screenwriters felt compelled to do here.
Nonetheless, “Devotion” is exciting, heartfelt and well acted; plus, it looks fantastic, with real Corsairs and carriers in several scenes.
On a final note: Potential CBS-streamers might wait till late April when “Picard” is done; you could then pony up the modest one-month fee (or get a free trial!) and binge-watch the entire season.
For “Next Generation” fans, I’d just like to say: Make it so.
